A Forum for Orthodox Jewish thought on Halacha, Hashkafa, and the social issues of our time.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Happy Chanukah

Chanukah 2014 at the White HouseU

Updated - 12/21/14 (Click on the link embedded below in the word 'news'.)

I don't know how people can say that President Barack Obama is in any way anti Semitic or even anti Israel after viewing the Chanukah party that took place in the White House just a couple of days ago. In fact just today there is news of the President signing into law The 2014 United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act which strengthens the strategic ties between the two countries. If this is anti Israel, I'll take it.

One can disagree with his politics and policies. One can even claim that his Presidency has been a failure. (I do not.) Or that his policies have been a disaster. (I do not.) But there is not a doubt in my mind that this man is a friend of the Jewish people.

This is not the first time the President has hosted a clearly Jewish event at the White House. Nor is it the only Jewish Holiday he participated in. But this is the first one where there is tangible proof that he has worked quietly, diligently and successfully on our behalf.

Not because he wanted to win favor in our eyes. He doesn't really need our favor. But because he actually believes in what he did. And had his administration working on it until they achieved success.

I am of course referring to obtaining the release of Alan Gross, an observant Jew from captivity, And just in time for Chanukah no less. The President spoke of it in his remarks at this party calling it Pidyon Shevuyim. Rightfully so. Mr. Gross was unjustly imprisoned by Cuba and it was indeed a Mitzvah to do whatever we could to get him released. That is exactly what the President did. I salute the President and want to express my personal gratitude for this and for being a friend to the Jewish people. I defy anyone to view the video below and not be inspired.

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About Me

My outlook on Judaism is based mostly on the teachings of my primary Rebbe, Rabbi Aaron Soloveichik from whom I received my rabbinic ordination. It is also based on a search for spiritual truth. Among the various sources that put me on the right path, two great philosophic works stand out: “Halakhic Man” and “Lonely Man of Faith” authored by the pre-eminent Jewish philosopher and theologian, Rabbi, Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik. Of great significance is Rabbi, Dr. Norman Lamm's conceptualization and models of Torah U’Mada and Dr. Eliezer Berkovits who introduced me to the world of philosophic thought. Among my early influences were two pioneers of American Elementary Torah Chinuch, Rabbis Shmuel Kaufman and Yaakov Levi. The Yeshivos I attended were Yeshivas Telshe for early high school and more significantly, the Hebrew Theological College where for a period of ten years, my Rebbeim included such great Rabbinic figures as Rabbis Mordechai Rogov, Shmaryahu Meltzer, Yaakov Perlow, Herzl Kaplan, and Selig Starr. I also attended Roosevelt University where I received my Bachelor's Degree - majoring in Psychology.